A computer is a machine which manipulates data according to a set of instructions. In the Fallout universe, computers range from simple terminals to Automated Personalities (AP) to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

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One of the major effects of the timeline divergence is that instead of working to develop supercomputers and miniaturized electronics (in the process creating the first semiconductor, the transistor, in 1947), post-World War II humanity in the Fallout universe invested its technological efforts in further harnessing the atom and robotics.

As a result, computers are far clunkier than the ones in our world and most still use monochromatic, text-based displays. The personal computer was never developed due to these limitations on compactness, and all computers exist as large mainframes which can take up whole rooms. The users access them via terminals. Nonetheless, some mainframes are highly advanced in terms of processing power, such as those capable of running an artificial intelligence or automated personalities.

It should be noted, however, that typical 80's/90's desktop computers are seen as map props in Fallout 1 and 2.

An automated personality refers to a computer or a robot created with specific skills. They are able to speak, but only on a programmed set of possible responses that are keyed in by a standard operating system. They are not able to have logical deduction or reasoning and are less advanced than an AI computer. These computers only appear in the Fallout: New Vegasadd-onOld World Blues. One such example is the Toaster, who is aware that he is a toaster but wishes to be something much deadlier so that he can "burn the world."

In colloquial parlance, artificial intelligence refers to a computer or a robot that is "self-aware;" it is capable of not only logical deduction, reasoning and communicating, but knows of its own existence, the possibility of its own mortality (and immortality), and possesses creativity, desire, and, in many cases, emotion. Several AIs have appeared in the Fallout games.

The most advanced AI to date, are the synths, specifically the Generation 3 Synths. Almost entirely biological and near-perfect clones of humans with the exception of a number of mechanical components inserted during manufacturing, Generation 3 Synths are entirely sapient and self aware, with few exceptions.